Paul Nicholls unleashes Captain Teague in his bid to land the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle for the ninth time in his training career.
The Champion Bumper third is one of two hurdling debutants in Friday’s 14:10 at Chepstow – Joe Tizzard’s outsider Lord Of Thunder being the other – and it looks set to be a competitive contest due to the number of prolific winners on show.
Everyonesgame is the highest-rated runner on official ratings after an emphatic Class 2 handicap hurdle victory at Worcester in the summer earned a mark of 132.
Rock House for the Skeltons scored by a wide margin on his first try over hurdles last month, Mullinaree has landed five handicaps in a row, Way Out is bidding to bring up a four-timer, while Cold Sobar and Resplendent Grey are seeking hat-tricks.
The smartest piece of jumping form on offer, however, is provided by the only mare in the line up, Della Casa Lunga, who placed second behind Sandor Clegane in a lucrative Punchestown race last time out.
The latest Persian War Novices’ Hurdle odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Persian War Novices’ Hurdle verdict
Timeform: CAPTAIN TEAGUE was still green when third in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival and has the ability to make a winning start over hurdles in this. The progressive Resplendent Grey has achieved the most over hurdles so far so is next best ahead of Rock House, who looks a good prospect.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Persian War Novices’ Hurdle runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Persian War Novices’ Hurdle 2023.
Captain Teague
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 5 Weight: 11st
€70,000 point winner from good family and looked a good prospect when landing the odds in Plumpton bumper in December. Beaten only 2½ lengths when third in Champion Bumper at Cheltenham (16.4f, soft) in March and is a very interesting hurdling newcomer.
*****
Cold Sobar
Trainer: Stuart Coltherd Jockey: Sam Coltherd Age: 6 Weight: 11st
Off mark in Irish points at third attempt but clearly not short on speed given he won readily over 2m at Newcastle on Rules debut in March. Defied a penalty there (20.3f, good to soft) following month and looks a good prospect.
***
Everyonesgame
Trainer: Charlie Longsdon Jockey: Non Runner Age: 6 Weight: 11st
Non Runner
Lord Of Thunder
Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 5 Weight: 11st
Runner-up on his sole outing between the flags and was picked up for six figures subsequently. Shaped better than bare result when third in bumper at Stratford in April but this is a tough ask on hurdles bow.
**
Mullinaree
Trainer: Milton Harris Jockey: Bradley Harris Age: 7 Weight: 11st
Form has taken off since equipped with a hood and tongue strap combination, completing a five-timer when seeing off 6 rivals at Hexham (20.1f, good) 118 days ago. Worth a shot at this.
****
Resplendent Grey
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 5 Weight: 11st
Looked a good prospect in bumpers and made a winning start in this sphere in 2m Wetherby maiden. Readily defied a penalty in 8-runner novice hurdle at Perth (16.2f, soft, 6/5) 168 days ago and has the physique/attitude to carry on improving.
****
Rock House
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 5 Weight: 11st
Easy winner of sole start between the flags last spring and readily won bumper at Huntingdon in April. Easily landed the odds on hurdles bow at Worcester on return last month and remains a good prospect.
****
Way Out
Trainer: Syd Hosie Jockey: Non Runner Age: 6 Weight: 11st
Non Runner
Della Casa Lunga
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks Jockey: Richard Patrick Age: 5 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Novice hurdle winner at Leopardstown in March and continued to progress since, very good second at Punchestown (19.8f, good to soft) 170 days ago. Subsequently sold from S. Curling £150,000 in May.
***
Racing Tips
- Matt Chapman’s ITV Racing tips include a 4/1 shot on Friday
- Friday’s ITV Racing tips from Paddy Power’s trading room
- ITV Racing tips for Chepstow, Newmarket & York on Friday
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